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India: The toxic beauty of marble waste

06:20

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Lena Bodewein
June 2, 2026

Kishangarh's vast marble dumps resemble an icy desert, attracting influencers, Bollywood stars and wedding couples. But toxic dust pollutes the air and damages lungs, while contaminated water threatens local groundwater.

In the state of Rajasthan, in northwestern India, lies a place that looks almost too magical to be real. Stretching out in brilliant white in Kishangarh, it resembles a snow-covered landscape under the blazing sun. Yet, behind the picture-perfect scenery, lies a less glamorous truth. The fine white dust that creates this mesmerizing view can be harmful when inhaled.

The massive dumping ground of marble dust draws travelers from across India and beyond. Bollywood has chosen this unusual setting as a backdrop for films and photo shoots despite the health risk. Meanwhile the marble industry profits from the attraction, charging for photo shoots and filming permits, and renting space for food and drink stalls.

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